Moral and ethical challenges of AI
Human flourishing, disinformation and more
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
On May 22 and 23, a conference put on by the MIT Technology Review addressed multiple issues surrounding the use of artificial intelligence. As AI becomes more commonly used, many have expressed concerns that its power is unwieldy and has the ability to do much more harm than good.
Speakers at the conference discussed the use of AI as it regards human flourishing and disinformation leading up to this year’s election in the U.S.
In today’s top story, Executive Editor Clemente Lisi shares insights from the conference and reports on ways AI is being used in the church and beyond.
The Moral And Ethical Challenges Posed By Artificial Intelligence
The speakers that took to the stage at MIT this past week addressed a series of issues surrounding AI, including how it impacts a number of areas such as communications, entertainment, healthcare, politics, climate change and the military. In fact, speakers talked about the numerous potential pitfalls in a world where AI is becoming more ubiquitous. by Clemente Lisi
Vatican Issues Apology After Pope Francis Uses Anti-Gay Slur
Pope Francis issued a rare apology on Tuesday after it was revealed that he had used a vulgar term for gay men when asked about the Catholic church’s ban on homosexual priests entering seminaries. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement acknowledging the comment made by the 87-year-old pontiff. by Clemente Lisi
Despite Political Upheaval, Indian Church Hosts 700 Bible School Students
Pulling off Vacation Bible School for 700 children is a daunting challenge for most churches. Pulling off VBS for 700 children during community upheaval is not just challenging, it is practically impossible. But Anna Yumnam* and her team from TMG Bible Church* in Manipur, a state in northeast India, managed to accomplish the seemingly impossible in June 2023. This was Yumnam’s first year as the church’s children’s ministry director. She expected hurdles of course, but perhaps not trials of this intensity. by Susan Narjala
Why Army Chaplains Are Questioning Legitimacy Of US Drone Strikes
(ANALYSIS) How do U.S. Army chaplains perceive the legitimacy of American drone strikes and why should we care? Though chaplains are entrusted by regulations to shape the moral use of force, scholars have not studied what accounts for their perceptions of legitimacy. Yet legitimacy is “potent” in shaping the durability of policy and strategy. by Paul Lushenko
Photo Essay: Journey Into The Spirituality Of Indonesia’s Bonokeling Community
(PHOTO ESSAY) The community walks as part of a procession connected to the Perlon Unggahan traditional ceremony of welcoming the holy month of Ramadan in Banyumas in Central Java. This ritual — carried out to remember and pray for their ancestors — typically includes hundreds of people from different villages who travel to the Bonokeling cemetery complex. by Garry Lotulung
5 Notable College Commencement Addresses That Featured Faith
College students across the country are graduating this month. As is custom, famous people are invited to speak to students about the future. Sometimes, religion and faith comes up — especially at Christian colleges — and it’s not always something that resonates with the U.S.’s broader, more secular culture. Here are five that stood out this spring. by Clemente Lisi
How ‘Hazbin Hotel’ Appropriates Christian Values For A Different Kind Of Message
(REVIEW) There are a lot of positive — dare I say “Christian” — values in the show. So much that I’d say anyone with a beating heart will find themselves weeping as they watch them play out — even if only despite themselves. Observing the cynical, broken Hellians that Charlie Morningstar finds and helps to reform and embrace being their better selves, can’t help but bring tears to your eyes. by Joseph Holmes
Christian Leaders Across Africa Oppose Bill Seeking To Repeal Gambia's FGM Ban
The African nation of Gambia was thrust into a national debate this spring after the country's parliament advanced a bill that would repeal its eight-year ban on female genital mutilation — a move that could make it the first country in the world to overturn a ban on the age-long practice. Christian leaders have been among the most outspoken against it. by Ekpali Saint
📰 Politics, Sex, War: Old Religion Headlines Are New Again 🔌
Twenty years ago, I worked as a Dallas-based religion reporter for The Associated Press. Many of the stories that dominated the headlines then remain relevant today. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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